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Electric
2026 BYD Atto 2 small SUV: price, specs and release date in Australia
Terry Martin
June 12, 2025
The BYD Atto 2 electric vehicle will become the cheapest SUV for the fast-growing Chinese brand when it arrives later in 2025. Can BYD’s new small SUV upset the Kia EV3?
The 2026 BYD Atto 2 small SUV will provide a crucial new entry point for the Chinese carmaker as it expands its range and continues its quest to become one of the biggest-selling auto brands in Australia.
It’s still chasing Tesla for bragging rights as the number-one EV brand, but BYD is building momentum with more than 15,000 combined battery-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales in the first five months of 2025, led by the BYD Shark 6 ute and Sealion 6 and Sealion 7 medium SUVs.
Moving from an independent importer to a full factory-backed operation in Australia (starting July 1), BYD is now preparing to bookend its SUV range with the all-new battery-electric Atto 2 due later this year and the plug-in hybrid Sealion 8 large three-row family SUV arriving early in 2026.
Leading the charge, the small Atto 2 is set to be a big player from the get-go. Here’s your guide to its expected pricing, confirmed launch timing, model line-up, powertrain, driving range, styling, cabin space, standard equipment and more.
The BYD Atto 2’s cabin combines high tech with functional and stylish elements.
How much will the BYD Atto 2 cost in Australia?
Pricing for the 2026 BYD Atto 2 is still to be finalised, but the local branch of the Chinese brand claims the new five-seater battery-electric small SUV “promises to be a game-changer” in its segment.
This suggests the Atto 2 will be highly competitive with the most popular and affordable EVs in the small SUV class, although BYD is expected to avoid impairing sales of its BYD Dolphin hatchback (priced from $29,990 plus on-road costs) and the BYD Atto 3 medium SUV (from $39,990 plus ORCs). These price points allow for the Atto 2 to occupy a comfortable middle ground at about $35,000 before on-road costs and options are added.
A mid-$30,000 position would also see the Atto 2 undercut other battery-electric small SUVs such as the MG S5 EV (from $40,490), Chery Omoda E5 (from $42,990) and the highly regarded Kia EV3 (from $47,600) and Hyundai Kona Electric (from $54,000).
BYD has confirmed the Atto 2 will be available from launch in two model grades – Essential and Premium.
The 2026 BYD Atto 2 will reach Australia during the final quarter of this year, landing as the first model in a fresh wave of new releases from the Chinese carmaker.
It will be followed in the first quarter of next year by the 2026 BYD Sealion 8, the brand’s first seven-seater plug-in hybrid family SUV. With the Sealion 8 PHEV on board, BYD’s SUV range will swell to five models – joining the Atto 2, Atto 3 and Sealion 7 EVs, plus the Sealion 6 PHEV – and the full range will move to eight with the Dolphin hatch, Seal medium sedan and Shark 6 ute included.
The BYD Atto 2 EV has a single-motor/front-drive layout.
The Atto 2 should offer a driving range of about 420km.
The driver is presented with two screens and controls on the steering wheel and console.
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What is the range of the BYD Atto 2?
All versions of the 2026 BYD Atto 2 will have the same single-motor/front-wheel-drive powertrain at launch, producing 130kW of power and 290Nm of torque.
The Australian-spec Atto 2 models will draw energy from a 51.13kWh ‘Blade’ lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that should provide a driving range of about 420km, based on preliminary testing in Europe. Overseas markets such as the UK have launched with a smaller 45.1kWh battery that delivers a 312km range (WLTP) and supports 65kW DC fast charging, taking the battery from 30 to 80 per cent charge in a claimed 28 minutes.
The Atto 2 is based on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 electric vehicle architecture that underpins the Dolphin, Seal, Atto 3 and other models. It integrates the battery into the chassis to improve body rigidity and interior packaging using what BYD calls Cell-to-Body (CTB) construction. The top cover of the battery pack acts as the floor of the SUV’s cabin.
The suspension comprises MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear axle, while BYD claims high levels of refinement via the powertrain and chassis design.
The 2026 BYD Atto 2 has an upright stance and broad dimensions that steer clear of the smaller compact crossover genre and place the car on a higher rung than, say, the new 2025 Hyundai Inster.
It measures 4310mm long, 1830mm wide and 1675mm tall, making it 145mm shorter and 45mm narrower than the BYD Atto 3. The wheelbase is a handy 2620mm long to help maximise cabin space.
The Atto 2 was designed by former Alfa Romeo, Audi and Lamborghini designer Wolfgang Egger. The front end has LED headlights and slim daytime running lights, while a full-width light bar bridging ‘Chinese knot’ tail-lights is found at the rear. The rear lamps are meant to look like the number 8 and a Mobius Infinity Ring, signifying endless good luck, according to BYD.
There’s a mix of rounded edges and sharp angles across the body, aiming to impart a dynamic look in conjunction with sporty alloy wheels, a distinctive floating roofline treatment (with panoramic sunroof) and high-mounted rear spoiler. Short front and rear overhangs improve approach and departure angles, helping reinforce the Atto 2’s SUV credentials.
Body colours include Climbing Grey (standard in overseas models), with optional hues of Hiking Green, Skiing White and Cosmos Black.
Rear seat accommodation in the Atto 2 is aided by a flat floor.
The front bumper has sharp angles for a more dynamic look.
The exterior features a floating roofline and lower body cladding.
A roof spoiler sits above a full-width light bar and ‘Chinese knot’ tail-lights.
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What is the BYD Atto 2 like inside?
The interior of the 2026 BYD Atto 2 aims to impart a premium feel with its modern design, ‘cut diamond’ look to the drive selector and padded surfaces at key touchpoints.
The dash creates a high-tech impression but practical elements are provided for ease of use, from the 8.8-inch digital instrument panel and rotating centre touchscreen (10.1-inch Essential, 12.8-inch Premium) to the multifunction steering wheel and switchgear on the centre console for quick access to controls like window demist, stereo volume and driving modes.
Other cabin features include synthetic leather seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a reversing camera system that provides a single view in the Essential and a 360-degree view in the flagship Premium.
Full Australian specifications are still to be provided, but BYD promises the Atto 2 will have six airbags and a “full suite” of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). It will also offer adaptive cruise control, NFC (near field communications) digital key passes and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality that allows external appliances to be powered from the car.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
